Hounslow Police have confirmed they have been approached by ClearSprings about plans to open bail accommodation in the borough.

Responding to concerns about alleged proposals for a hostel in Heston, officers also told Monday night's Community Police Consultative Group (CPCG) there were no such facilities already in place.

But Supt Clive Chalk, of Hounslow Police, said ClearSprings, which manages housing for people on bail and prisoners on early release for the Ministry of Justice, had made seven enquiries about opening hostels in the borough since June 2007.

He revealed police had objected to all these applications on the grounds the locations were unsuitable, invariably because they were in high-crime areas or too close to pubs.

However, he refused to rule out accepting an application in future, should he feel the address was suitable.

"There's been a lot of speculation about such a scheme in Heston and a lot of under-standable concern from community members," he said.

"I'm here to give confidence to the community but, equally, if these people are going to be bailed I would rather it was to somewhere they're going to get support."

ClearSprings must give police and council chiefs five days to respond to enquiries about opening a bail hostel. But, should they be satisfied, it is only legally required to notify residents living either side of the property before it opens.

More than 300 worried residents (pictured), who claim to have compelling evidence about plans for a bail hostel in Sutton Road, Heston, gathered at Heston Community School last Friday to discuss their concerns.

Elaine Williams, of Sutton Road, said at Monday's CPCG meeting that she and fellow householders were angry about the lack of consultation with local residents.

She also raised concerns about the type of people staying at such premises and claimed similar facilities elsewhere had turned previously safe areas into crime black spots.

ClearSprings said only people who posed 'no significant harm' would be housed in bail accommodation and the final decision is made by the courts.

Although the premises are not monitored round the clock, trained staff spend at least an hour a week with each tenant.